What to do when responding to a bomb scene.
As with all press worthy incidents, the recent ‘collar bomb’ incident in Pennsylvania has spawned several copycats. Responding to a “man with a bomb” call is relatively new, and most departments don’t have a policy that directly addresses this issue.
Until your agency drafts a plan, here are some suggested guidelines. Remember that your departments’ existing policy & procedure always takes precedence should these guidelines conflict with them.
First, the mass destruction a hazardous device can create dictates that the primary goal is the safety of the public, while the ultimate goal is the safety of the victim.
Any person who advises they have a hazardous device (bomb, IED, explosive) affixed to them should be taken seriously. Due to the inherent complexity and propensity for booby traps that exists in a hazardous device, no attempt to diagnose the device by untrained officers should be made.
Also, no attempt to separate the device from the victim should be attempted.
There are two reasons for this:
One, the obvious timer or battery on the device may be placed to fool officers into disturbing it, activating the firing train of the device. Secondly, the device may be remotely monitored, and able to be functioned remotely. Do not allow the panic of the victim or bystanders, or your need to respond, to override these guidelines.
The first step in a so-called ‘human bomb’ case is to immobilize the victim.
Do not allow them to manipulate the device, and do not allow them to roam freely. A seated position on the ground is preferred. The victim should be immobilized in an open-air space if possible, away from gas lines, power lines, or other sources of secondary explosions, including the gas tanks of vehicles. Enclosed spaces allow the shock wave of the device should it function to cause greater damage. Also, avoid gathering places such as bus stops, and buildings.
If the victim is uncooperative, increasing levels of immobilization should be affected, keeping in mind that the number of officers, the amount of hands-on contact and the time near the victim should be limited as much as possible. Less-lethal solutions such as bean bags, are preferable over a hands-on tactic. An initial stand off distance of at least 300 feet is preferred. A supervisor, the bomb squad, fire department and EMS should be notified and staged nearby. Two-way radio traffic, including wireless devices such as telephones, pagers, and PDA’s should be avoided near the device.
The second step is to collect intelligence.
Remotely obtain as much information from the victim as possible. While one officer interviews the victim from under cover, another officer should attempt to obtain photography of the device. Still photos and video are ideal, but sharp, close up telephoto still photos are preferred. Attention to detail, composition, and any writing on the device is critical. The presence of an external antenna or radio device is significant.
Have the victim describe the device, and what steps the bomber took to affix and activate it.
A third officer should obtain photographs of any persons and/or vehicles that may be nearby, with attention paid to anyone who is taking a greater than average interest in the incident, those who attempt to conceal themselves from the officers, or anyone attempting to leave.
During this period, while waiting for responding Public Safety Hazardous Devices members, be alert for secondary devices placed as a distraction or to intentionally injure responding officers. If time warrants, have responding fire and EMS personnel erect visual barriers to limit crowd (and remote control activation) access.
In the unfortunate event that the device functions, do not approach the victim. Officers should maintain their perimeter until the hazardous devices unit can clear a path to the injured victim. Unconsumed explosives may have been scattered about the blast area, causing a hazard to responders. The device could also have not completely functioned, and may explode again. 2
